Canada’s leading toy and juvenile retailer continues support of Starlight Children’s Foundation™ Canada’s programming to brighten the lives of ill children and their families.

Vancouver, AB (October 20, 2014)- On November 19, 2014, a Vancouver-based Starlight child will participate in a 3-Minute Dash through the Toys“R”Us store at Toys”R”Us Vancouver (1154 West Broadway) to snatch as much merchandise as possible within a three minute timeframe.

The 3-Minute Dash is donated by Toys“R”Us as part of their longstanding partnership with Starlight Canada and will take place in five cities across Canada: Edmonton, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto and Vancouver. Participants were randomly selected from each province as part of a contest Starlight Canada held earlier this month. Applicants were asked to share the details of their care journey and submit them to their local Starlight programs coordinator for entry.

“Toys“R”Us, Canada’s ongoing commitment to our in and out-of-hospital programming is invaluable to Starlight,” says Starlight executive director, Brian Bringolf. “Special events like the 3-Minute Dash provide Starlight children with a chance to create much-needed positive memories away from the hospital, treatments and therapies.”

“Children have always been the focus of our charity work and Starlight continues to be a great partner for us as together, we share the goal of brightening the lives of seriously ill children when they need a reason to smile” says Kevin Macnab, President, Toys“R”Us Canada. “Providing the Starlight children with an empty cart, and full reign of a Toys“R”Us store for 3 minutes, is the perfect escape from their hospital stay, as they race through the aisles and experience a fun and unique opportunity that they will never forget. After events like these, it’s the joy on the children’s faces that motivate our employees to continue to raise funds and awareness for Starlight and towards making a difference in children’s lives.”

During the 16 year partnership, Toys“R”Us, Canada has raised over $12 million dollars for Starlight Canada. This year, in addition to the 3-Minute Dash, Toys“R”Us, Canada has helped to sponsor:

$150,000 in Great Escapes Sponsorships (A program that provides Starlight families with a chance to enjoy fun events together to create priceless memories, relax and then return home with a renewed sense of strength and hope)

100 Starlight Treasure Chests (A box filled with toys and surprises, used by children during appointments at the hospital or clinic)

Starlight Children’s Foundation™ Canada is part of Starlight’s global network, serving kids and families through partnerships with more than 130 healthcare facilities. Over the past 30 years, Starlight has become a leading global charity that partners with experts to improve the life and health of kids and families around the world. Collaborating with innovators in pediatric healthcare, entertainment and technology, Starlight provides a unique blend of family-centered programs and services from hospital to home. Starlight partners with more than 1,750 healthcare facilities and pediatric hospitals in Australia, Canada, Israel, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States, serving millions of children every year.

Toys“R”Us (Canada) Ltd., is part of Toys“R”Us, Inc., the world’s leading dedicated toy and juvenile products retailer. Toys“R”Us, Canada operates over 80 stores across the country. For store locations and convenient online shopping visit www.toysrus.ca or www.babiesrus.ca.